Lilah carefully set the boy aside and faced Gerard squarely. “Are you his father? It's one thing to misplace him, but to strike him upon your reunion? That's no way to treat a child."

Gerard's assistant nearby gulped nervously, stepping forward to mediate. “Miss, there's been a misunderstanding. Today's incident was an anomaly. Mr. Harris deeply cherishes his son. His earlier reaction was out of sheer panic and concern."

Lilah's eyes narrowed as she pondered. The surname “Harris" seemed familiar to her.

But observing the man's genuine concern and the brigade of guards at his disposal, she surmised he must indeed care deeply for the boy.

Pushing her thoughts aside, Lilah turned to the child. "Darling, is this your father? Now that he's here, you should go with him."

Jerrold, however, hesitated. He approached Gerard and gestured toward Lilah's scraped elbow.

Lilah chuckled awkwardly, realizing the boy wanted his stern father to attend to her wound.

“No need, Little one. I can take care of it," she reassured, crouching to caress his soft hair.

Yet, Jerrold persisted, tugging insistently at Gerard's pant leg.

Gerard's gaze flickered between his son and Lilah, noting her gentle demeanor toward the child and contrasting defiance toward him. This intrigued him further.

"Fetch the first-aid kit," Gerard instructed, his voice devoid of emotion.

He had learned of her injury on their journey here, which she sustained while rescuing his son. An obligation weighed on him because of it.

In a hotel of such caliber, first-aid supplies were expected. As Gerard began to disinfect the wound, Lilah was taken aback.

From this proximity, she could truly appreciate how striking he was.

His chiseled features were accentuated by sharp eyebrows and deep-set eyes. The refined bridge of his nose and the enticing shade of his lips painted a picture of allure.

However, despite his good looks, he maintained an air of distance and dignity.

A soft gasp escaped Lilah when the disinfectant touched her skin.

“Perhaps I should handle it myself," she suggested.

Raising his eyes, Gerard responded, "My apologies. My experience is limited to treating injuries during military service. I promise to be gentle."

His intense gaze met hers, rendering her momentarily speechless. She nodded, allowing him to continue.

True to his word, Gerard's touch became lighter.

Jerrold observed the entire process intently. Only after Lilah's wound was dressed did his tense expression ease. Yet, his hesitance to leave her side was palpable as they prepared to depart.

Straightening up, Gerard addressed her, his tone still cold, yet intriguing. "My gratitude for aiding Jerrold. Consider me in your debt. Should you require assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out."

He extended a business card to her.